Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

First Nations flood evacuees hold protest outside Legislative Building

About two dozen evacuees from the 2011 flood held a protest on the front steps of the Manitoba Legislative Building today, upset that they are still homeless 18 months after being forced to flee the floodwaters.

Nearly 2,000 persons, mainly First Nations people, are still cut off from their home communities, displaced by a once in a 300 year flood on the Assiniboine River.

Some have recently had their living allowances cut back.

Sporting signs such as ‘All I want for Christmas is a Home,’ the protesters, mainly from Lake St. Martin First Nation, are upset that 18 months after being driven out of their homes their First Nation leadership and the federal and provincial governments are no closer to finding an acceptable permanent solution to their plight.

"We want a home, we want a school for our children," said Cherie Thompson, a mother of six from Lake St. Martin First Nation. "I just want to leave Winnipeg," she said.

Her husband Stephen, a commercial fisherman, lost most of his equipment in the flood.

 

 

History

Updated on Monday, November 26, 2012 at 1:59 PM CST: updated, new headline and images added.

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.

letters

Make text: Larger | Smaller

LATEST VIDEO

Jets aren't dead (quite) yet

View more like this

Photo Store Gallery

  • A pelican comes in for a landing Wednesday afternoon on the Red River at Lockport, Manitoba - Standup photo- June 27, 2012   (JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)
  • A mother goose has chosen a rather busy spot to nest her eggs- in the parking lot of St Vital Centre on a boulevard. Countless cars buzz by and people have begun to bring it food.-Goose Challenge Day 06 - May 08, 2012   (JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)

View More Gallery Photos

Poll

Do you miss the era of drive-in movie theatres?

View Results

Ads by Google